Baltej Pannu targets opposition, demands explanation on the use of canal water in Punjab
Aam Aadmi Party leader Baltej Pannu has questioned the Akali Dal, BJP, and Congress, asking where Punjab's canal water was going during their time in power. He highlighted that groundwater recharge in the state has increased, with significant contributions from both rainfall and canal water usage.
VIMARSHNAARAD TVAam Aadmi Party leader Baltej Pannu has launched a sharp attack on opposition parties regarding Punjab's water management policy. According to a report by NDTV India, he has demanded answers from the Akali Dal, BJP, and Congress, asking how the water from Punjab's canals was being utilized during their respective tenures in power.
Pannu stated that the opposition parties should clarify how canal water was managed when they held authority. He alleged that previous governments did not focus on the proper utilization of water resources, which caused significant setbacks for the state.
Alongside this, Baltej Pannu provided positive information regarding the state's groundwater levels. He noted that there has been a recorded increase in the groundwater recharge rate in Punjab. According to his figures, the total annual recharge has reached 19.14 billion cubic meters.
Highlighting the sources of this recharge process, Pannu explained that rainfall makes a major contribution, providing 5.53 billion cubic meters of water. Meanwhile, the utilization of canal water has helped in recharging 5.5 billion cubic meters of groundwater.
Pannu asserted that the current government is taking concrete steps toward water conservation. He emphasized that improving the state's declining groundwater levels is only possible through the proper use of canal water, and the government is making continuous efforts in this direction.
Targeting the opposition, he claimed that they are merely engaging in politics, while on the ground, the government's efforts are leading to improvements in water resources. He maintained that the data serves as evidence that current water management policies are proving effective.
In conclusion, Baltej Pannu stated that water conservation is essential for the state's future and that the government is fulfilling this responsibility with complete seriousness. He advised the opposition parties to engage in constructive politics and base their discussions on facts.